Sanwo-Olu Condemns #IgboMustGo Protest, Urges Unity

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has strongly condemned the proposed #IgboMustGo protest, emphasizing that the state government does not support such divisive actions. The protest, which calls for citizens from all South-Eastern states to leave Lagos, is planned to take place from August 20th to 30th, 2024. A faceless group promoting the campaign has also urged South-West citizens residing in the South-Eastern part of the country to return to the region.

In a statement Sanwo-Olu declared that Lagos remains a welcoming home for all Nigerians, regardless of their ethnic backgrounds. “The attention of Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has been drawn to a post by LagosPedia, a social media handle on X (formerly Twitter), that calls on the Igbo to vacate Lagos and Southwest of Nigeria and brace up for a massive hashtag #Igbomustgo protest from 20th to 30th August, 2024,” Sanwo-Olu wrote.

The governor described the protest as “reckless, divisive, and dangerous rhetoric,” intended to create discord between the Yoruba in the Southwest and other tribes, particularly those who have chosen Lagos as their home.

Sanwo-Olu’s response comes after former presidential candidate Abubakar Atiku of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) urged the Federal Government to investigate, arrest, and prosecute the promoters of the #IgboMustGo protest.

Governor Sanwo-Olu appealed to all Lagosians to resist any attempts to create tension in the state and called on security agencies to investigate those responsible for the campaign. “The Governor of Lagos State and indeed, Lagos State Government wish to distance themselves from the reckless, divisive and dangerous rhetoric, saying Lagos remains home to every Nigerian citizen regardless of their ethnic nationality,” he stated.